Christ's consciousness of his mission.
The occasion upon which our Savior is said by his friend and apostle John to have had a vivid consciousness of hi§ mission is deserving of attention. It was just before his Passion, in the upper room where he was about, by act and language, to inculcate great lessons upon his disciples, and whence he was to take his way to Gethsemane and Calvary. In such circumstances the confidence of a human leader might well have wavered, and his purposes might well have faltered. But Jesus could look forward to what he was about to endure with a touching equanimity, because he knew whence he had come, whither he was going, what was the nature and authority of his mission.
I. CHRIST'S CONSCIOUSNESS OF HIS ORIGIN. He was aware:
1. Of his Divine nature.
2. Of his Divine mission.
3. Of his Divine qualifications.
II. CHRIST'S CONSCIOUSNESS OF HIS DEPARTURE AND DESTINATION. He knew that he was not going into annihilation, into oblivion; that he was not to fail in his work, though he was to die in its execution.
1. His departure was to secure the accomplishment of God's will.
2. And the achievement of man's redemption, which was the special purpose of the Father.
3. And the manifestation of the Father's acceptance. He went to God to be received as God's beloved Son; and he was raised from the dead, and taken to heaven, that it might be evident to all the world that the Father approved his work.
III. CHRIST'S CONSCIOUSNESS OF HIS UNIVERSAL AUTHORITY.
1. In the hour of his suffering and humiliation he knew full well that his hands were all-comprehending and all-powerful, that all power was given to him in heaven and on earth, that his was a supreme and universal sway.
2. He knew, too, that his power should be exercised for the salvation of his people. They should scatter and flee, but he should rally them. He was to be their High Priest, and at the same time their King.
APPLICATION. Learn:
1. The security of those who trust in One so wise and so mighty.
2. The strength of those who work for such a Master.
3. The hope which is before those who seek and wait for his salvation.
4. The encouragement which all who need his countenance and help are at liberty to take from him.—T.